Initial testing showed severe veiling flares issues with the 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH. This finding was with one lens sampe and M Typ 240 body, but additional testing with another lens sample and different body confirms exactly the same behavior.

In the field, I sought to make a variety of images as one would wish to make in any creative way (not “tests”): I was frequently stymied under appealing light conditions involving backlighting or even mostly shaded but towards-the-sun-lighting. The awkward strategy of shielding the lens even on a tripod was at best a nuisance and sometimes risky (steep terrain often has unstable footing including loose soil and boulders!). And shooting at low shutter speeds with one hand shielding the lens and one holding the camera is a contortion at best, even with a quality handgrip. Could the classic Leica “street shooting” really mean paved level smooth streets?